MT. EGMONT FATALITY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1358, 20 June 1918, Page 7

MT. EGMONT FATALITY.

RESULT OF THE INQUEST. Press Association. NEW PLYMOUTH, .June 10. At the inquest in connection with the victims' of the Mt. Eginont tragedy on June .'!, the medical evidence was to the effect that the deaths were due to fracture of the skull. Guide Murphy, who headed the rescue party, said the ascent of the mountain was not advisable in winter except with a guide or thoroughly experienced mountaineers. , Mt. Eginont was perfectly safe in the summer months, but dangerous in winter. From the evidence given he was of the opinion that Mr Gourlay's party were very inexperienced climbers. They commenced glissading too high up, cut steps too small and too far apart, and took no rope. The Coroner returned a verdict of accidental death, and warmly commended Amhury's heroism in attempting to save Gourlay. It was worthy of the Albert Medal, lie hoped the public would accept the advice of Guide Murphy and not attempt to ascend the mountain in winter conditions.